A study found an association between teens using cannabis just once or twice a month and an increased risk of poor school performance and emotional distress. More frequent use correlated with an increased likelihood of teens reporting emotional, social, and academic problems.
The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of over 160,000 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students conducted from 2018 to 2022. They found that over one-quarter of the survey respondents reported cannabis use. 20% reported monthly or less frequent use. Much smaller percentages reported weekly or daily cannabis consumption.
Teens who used cannabis once or twice a month reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, and impulsive behavior than those who did not consume. Near-daily users were roughly four times more likely to have poor grades and demonstrated signs of disengagement from school activities.
Although some studies indicate a decline in teen substance abuse, roughly 1 in 5 high school students use cannabis. In addition, scientists and health care professionals are concerned because today’s cannabis products have higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency. Studies have shown that cannabis use during adolescence can have lasting impacts on cognitive function when the brain is still developing critical neural connections. As study author Dr. Tim Becker explained, “A teenager’s brain is still developing the circuits for learning, self-control, and emotional regulation.” Cannabis use during these critical adolescent growth periods can interfere with cognitive development processes.
Experts on teen development suggest that parents, guardians, and teachers should take a proactive approach to having conversations with teens about cannabis. They also recommend looking for risk indicators such as mood changes, loss of interest in prior hobbies, and poor academic grades that might reveal problematic teen cannabis use.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, Pediatrics